PRACTICE REPORT: Nate Burleson back on the field for the Lions

The Lions' veteran receiver participated in practice for the first time since suffering a broken arm in late September

For the first time since breaking his arm in a freak car accident Sept. 24, veteran receiver Nate Burleson had a helmet and participated in the portion of practice open to the media today.

Burleson broke his forearm in an early-morning car crash just two days after catching six passes for 116 yards in a win at Washington. He had surgery soon after and has missed the team’s last five games.

Burleson has been targeting a second-half return date since the injury, specifically eyeing a return to action in Sunday’s game in Chicago.

"I’m going to be smart about it," Burleson said of his return back in October.

"(Lions general manager Martin) Mayhew said it best. He said, 'I know you want to be back, just like we want you back, but when you come back we want it to be a one-time thing. Not setback after setback.'

"I have to be smart because the second half of the season is when we need to play well and need to be healthy and I don’t plan on missing anymore games until I’m retired. This whole sitting out thing is really getting old."

The Lions could certainly use the help in the slot with Ryan Broyles lost for the season (Achilles).